Which of the following describes radioactive decay by beta particle emission?
A) The daughter isotope has an atomic number two less than the parent and a mass number four less.
B) The mass number of the daughter isotope is one more than the parent, and both isotopes have the same atomic number.
C) The atomic number of the daughter isotope is one more than the parent; the mass numbers are the same.
D) The daughter isotope has an atomic number one less than the parent and a mass number two less.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Beta decay involves the emission of a beta particle, which is a high-energy electron. During this process, a neutron in the nucleus is converted into a proton, releasing the beta particle and an antineutrino. The atomic number of the daughter isotope is one more than the parent because the conversion of a neutron to a proton increases the number of protons in the nucleus. However, the mass number remains the same because the total number of protons and neutrons in the nucleus must stay constant. Therefore, choice C is the correct description of radioactive decay by beta particle emission.

Which of the Following Describes Radioactive Decay by Beta Particle